March 2nd, 2010 by soullldiva

This morning the Stars’ professional dancing partners were revealed on Good Morning America. After having to sit through The Bachelor last night, this was a little more bearable, although I just don’t watch morning TV anymore (usually in the gym trying to get my pre-pregnancy body back *oof*).

This is going to be an exciting season, and I am completely enthusiastic about this cast and the matchups!!

Buzz Aldrin and Ashly Costa: I am such a latecomer on the DWTS train that I have never seen Ashly (formerly DelGrosso) dance. She hasn’t appeared since season 3, got married and had 2 kids. Good for her! It’s interesting they pair Buzz with someone so young, it’s possible their body profiles fit together well. Good luck to Buzz!

Evan Lysacek and Anna Trebunskaya: Yea for Anna! With Evan on her arm this season, she could have staying power, maybe untilthe finals–we’ll see (and enjoy every minute of it). Fun facts about Anna, she won her first dance competition at  the age of seven, and fellow DWTS pro Jonathan Roberts is her hubby (but then you di-hards know that;o).

Jake Pavelka and Chelsie Hightower: This I think is a solid match for the SYTYCD alum. I saw Jake spin his TV bride Vienna around during his interview on GMA, so he definitely doesn’t have two left feet. Plus they just both seem to be such nice people.

Chad Ochocinco and Cheryl Burke: Two-time Mirrorball winner Cheryl gets paired with a football player again. Could this be a combination for another win? I don’t know Chad at all, so who knows!

Pamela Anderson and Damian Whitewood: Damian is a newcomer to DWTS, straight from the Burn the Floor stage. I highly approve. But he’s been with the show since 2000, and I’m in favor of the change, he is super cute and has many dancing titles from around the world.

Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough: There was speculation that Derek would not return this season, but not only has he returned, but he got one of the ringers this year. He did such a good job with Joanna Krupa last season, so these two should be a powerhouse this season. I’m pretty sure that Nicole will be able to pick ballroom up easily.

Edyta Sliwinska and Aiden Turner: I am really throwing my pom poms up in the air for Edyta this season. She’s my favorite dancer and such a sweetie pie. I am crossing my fingers that Aiden can move that body. So not only would they be the best darn looking couple this season, hopefully they can go all the way to the finals.

Niecy Nash and Louis Van Amstel: I think Louis is officially my favorite male pro on the show. What a job he did with Kelly Osbourne last season, and what a heart in him. This is an interesting couple and I like Niecy, too. Hopefully they can work it!

Erin Andrews and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: The ESPN gal gets the official bad boy of the dance floor (“If you want to look at my chest, go ahead.”). Will sparks fly? Will tears fall? Will good dancing ensue? Tune in March 22nd.

Shannen Doherty and Mark Ballas: Two-time champion Mark gets paired up with a famous bad attitude. Mark is tough but nice, what will happen? Can she actually dance? Things that make you go hmmmmmmm…….

Kate Gosselin and Tony Dovolani: Oh, Tony draws the Kate card. As my mother would say, “oi”. I watched the two of them interviewed on Good Morning America, and what a bad interview she is. As exciting as watching a 2×4 on the screen. Tony, on the other hand, carried the interview easily. Kate does not know how to dance, and Tony said she also had not bad habits to overcome, so it was an advantage for him. Tony can be a tough teacher, crack that whip on her, Tony!

WOW! Whew. There is some negative grumblings going on on the interwebs about this season and “jumping the shark” and whatnot. I say just forget about it. It’s about dancing and that’s all it’s ever been about (that and oh, the cross-promotions, oh yeah). All I care about is watching some people get good at dancing.

March 22nd, here we come!!!

March 1st, 2010 by soullldiva

In the midst of all the (kinda sorta) ridiculously grueling pomp and circumstance that was the season finale of ABC’s The Bachelor “On the Wings of Love” (gag), my homey Mr. Tom Bergeron bounced on to give the official announcements. And as it turns out, a few of my rumors were actually correct–wow!

Tom teased us several times with hints such as “the original moonwalker,” “the ultimate Baywatch babe” and “a name changing wide receiver.” The teasing was just too much for me after having to sit through the gawd awful sobfest in Saint Lucia (really sorry for the snarkiness, Bachelor fans). Ugggh! I’ve waited for too long.

OMG FINALLY Tom comes on with…Melissa Rycroft! Does that mean that she’s the new co-host? Oh, more Bachelor to watch…

Whew, Jake just let go the girl who I think is cuter. They both look tortured. Who would want to put themselves through this??

Now Finally Tom and Melissa come back on to make the official announcements. But what is this, they’re only announcing 10? Who is the 11th?

The Official Cast:

Pamela Anderson: For sure she’s going to be fun. And fun to watch bounce!

Chad Ochocinco: There had been rumors about Chad going around for some time, apparently. No cast of DWTS is complete without an NFL football player!

Aiden Turner: I used to be a big soap fan, but couldn’t handle trying to catch up with it after I joined the 9-5 workforce. Aiden is a cutie-pie from All My Children (ABC soap, hello!). Let’s see if he’s got lead feet or wings. Oh, and he’s a Brit, so love the accent.

Erin Andrews: ESPN sportscaster who I’m not familiar with. It seems she’s popular with sports fans “for her beauty” (according to Wikipedia).

Shannon Doherty: 90210’s Brenda comes to DWTS! Hopefully not the ‘tude, though. We’ll see…

Buzz Aldrin: This one was hard to believe, but turned out true. Is he as light on his feet on earth as he was on the moon? Ok, bad pun. Hopefully no stress fractures for him.

Niecy Nash: Ok, I’m gonna love this one. I adore Niecy on her Clean House show, and I know she’s done some outrageous stuff on Reno 911. We’re in for a treat.

Nicole Schertzinger: Here’s ringer #1 for this year. Lead singer of Pussycat Dolls who can ALL dance. But can she Foxtrot and Mambo?

Evan Lysaceck: And here’s ringer #2 for the season. Hello, remember Kristi Yamaguchi? Still loved her, who cares that it came easier to her? But Evan is male, and the game is just a little different for male star dancers. Very interested to see how he does.

Kate Gosselin: Not. A. Star. All I have to say.

And of course, there was ONE more surprise announcement: Mr. Bachelor himself, Jake Pavelka!!  He’s sure cute and he can fly airplaines!  Let’s hope he can dance a little. Put those muscles to use, kid.

Oh, so sad to see no Jonathan Frakes. I was really looking forward to seeing Number One do a little Cha Cha Cha. Sigh.

Tomorrow morning, bright and early on Good Morning America they will be announcing who the stars’ pro dancing partners will be.  I’ll have my laptop out and ready with the insight and wit! Come back tomorrow morning and we’ll have it!

March 1st, 2010 by soullldiva

Hey all! I’m hopping a plane back home to Los Angeles from my parents home in Kansas. Had a wonderful two weeks with the family and now I’m ready to get back to WORK!

And that starts TONIGHT! On the season finale of The Bachelor on ABC, Tom Bergeron (and apparently Melissa Rycroft, new co-host??) will be announcing the stars that will be on season 10 of Dancing With the Stars. I will be watching every moment and blogging as they announce them (I don’t know if they’ll do it all at once or piecemeal, we’ll see).

So if you don’t want to watch The Bachelor, I’m here for ya, babies.

Tune in to Soullldiva later tonight! ;o)

February 25th, 2010 by soullldiva

This dance doesn’t have any stars in it (well, so to speak). This is one of my all-time favorite dances on the show and it really illustrates what dance is all about for me: fun, joy, spirit of play, excitement, energy and enthusiasm. Back in season 7 DWTS did the first Macy’s “Design A Dance” contest, where the viewers chose the pros they wanted to see dance together and even designed the costumes they would wear (gosh, my memory faults on this, but I think they picked the song and dance style, too).

The viewers spoke: sister and brother Julianne and Derek Hough would perform a Jive together to “Great Balls of Fire”. Now, I thought in the beginning that it might feel odd to watch a brother and sister do a partner dance together. But in all probability, they have been dancing together since they were toddlers (what, 12 years ago??;o). Let me tell you there was absolutely NO oddness whatsoever. All you see is their huge love and admiration for each other, and that they really LOVE playing together. What’s even better is that Julianne can keep up step for step with Derek’s tendency to really ham and hog it up (don’t get me wrong, I adore it).

This Jive was amazingly hard and full of stunts and jumps. And it went on forever. Every second of it is good. Plus–Julianne’s outfit designed by viewer Kelly Keelie Maitin (sorry if I’ve spelled it wrong) was amazingly cute with that big red bow perched on her behind and little skirt with the piano keys. And I WANT a pair of those spectator T-straps!

They’re simply two really fine dancers and this dance is a joy to watch. Enjoy!

Oh, and countdown to Season 10 cast announcements: only FOUR days away! Can’t wait! ;o)

February 22nd, 2010 by soullldiva

Ugh. Now this one really bums me out, and it’s NOT a rumor. Lacey Schwimmer, who joined Dancing With the Stars back in 2008 will not be returning to the show this season (and who knows how long she’ll be out). According to US Magazine, Lacey confirmed this by tweeting on Friday night: “Hey twitterbugs! I will not be returning to DWTS this season. Be sure to tune in! <3″

First Julianne, now Lacey. Julianne was my favorite female dancer and Lacey was a close second. I love how she injected a little youth into the show with her style. Oh well. I have to pick my new fave now. Kym? Anna? Who will it be?? Who is YOUR favorite female pro on Dancing With the Stars?